We take care of our bodies by trying to eat healthy, getting enough rest and working out, but are we doing the same for our brains?

Researchers say there are still a lot of unknowns with the brain, but they do know that age, depression and illnesses cause cells to die and the brain to shrink.

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Much of researchers’ effort right now is to determine how to reverse that process, but they do say there are some things that can help, starting with your lifestyle.

Dr. Jane Potter, chair of gerontology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, suggests interaction with people, intellectual pursuits, being exposed to the arts and trying new experiences can all add up to a healthier mind.

“Clearly it's helpful for the brain to be exposed to a lot of different stimuli,” Potter said.

When it comes to nutrition, the value of vitamins is doubtful, according to Dr. Sanjay Singh, a neurologist at Alegent Creighton Health Creighton University Medical Center.

“In the studies to date, there is no evidence that taking any vitamin will prevent brain cell death," Singh said.

Singh said if you’re deficient in vitamins, you can see improvements in your brain health by getting the nutrition you need.

Adding a spice might not hurt either. Singh said initial studies say an ingredient called curcumin can help brain cells live. The spice is most often associated with yellow curry and is found in turmeric.

A popular belief is that crossword puzzles, logic games and Sudoku will work your brain. While Potter agrees that doing brain tasks can help you focus on improving a skill, she said the most effective ones are computer games designed by neurologists.

Potter endorses programs like Drive Sharp for improving driving and memory function. The data appears to show those games are most effective for children and older adults.

But the most effective way to strengthen the brain and keep it in tip-top performance may be exercise. Doctors call it the most powerful tool yet discovered to reverse the mental aging process.

“Even if we look at people who are starting to have some loss of mental faculties, those people can improve memory with physical activity. We don't have medicines to do that, so it's really a really powerful thing,” Potter said.

Potter cites aerobic and strength training as ones that can give you the most results. By continually challenging yourself physically and intellectually, Potter said you’re on your way to a healthy brain for the long-term.

Below are websites designed to work on cognitive and memory functions: